SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – The William Woods University men's basketball team (0-1) opened its 2025–26 season Friday evening on the road, falling 113–74 to RV Dordt University (1-0) inside DeWitt Gymnasium. 

The Owls came out with energy, striking first behind a corner three from Azarion Richardson and a strong finish at the rim by Demarco Buchanan to take an early 5–2 lead. The two sides traded baskets through the opening minutes before the Defenders began to find their rhythm from long range, using a series of transition scores to create separation midway through the first half. 

Despite the growing deficit, The Woods continued to compete. Richardson made things happen on both ends of the court, while Buchanan's quick first step gave the Owls a spark offensively. Freshman guard Tanner Lanes brought intensity off the bench, grabbing key rebounds and showing poise in his first collegiate action. Senior Brock Davis battled in the paint grabbing five boards and anchoring the interior defense against Dordt's post players. 

Richardson finished with a team-high 16 points and seven rebounds, while Buchanan added 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Oshae Barquet and Greg Cole each contributed nine points, and Lanes added seven to round out the effort. 

The Owls will look to bounce back on October 30th, when they hit the road to take on Avila University in Kansas City. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.